Plantar Fasciitis is not to be confused to with Morton’s Neuroma, Plantar Fasciitis is a condition with the classic symptoms of localised pain over the heel area at the bottom of the foot. Most often the pain is at its worst first thing in the morning when you stand and may subside quickly but then return later after sustained periods of walking or standing.

The syndrome itself is caused by inflammation of the band of tissue that runs along the arch of the foot from the heel itself and may suffer from microscopic tears and in extreme circumstances may also cause detachment of the fascia from its attachment to the heel. Athletes, runners and joggers tend to suffer from this condition due to heavy repetitive strain that can be placed on the lower foot.
Incorrect foot mechanics together with overuse and other catalysts, including weight gain are all issues that bring on or aggravate the condition.
It is a stubborn and painful illness which can, in the worst cases, result in serious ruptures to the ligament and if left untreated can develop into serious problems. Similar to Morton’s Neuroma, one of the most effective treatments to reduce the symptoms and help the condition is to wear orthotic insoles because they can give the correct amount of support of the heel as they flex with your weight shifts during normal activity or more vigorous exercise.
It is not advisable to use just a normal insole as these are not designed to support the arch but merely to provide additional padding, a proper orthotic insole will provide support in the correct areas and also provide protection to the injured fascia. Orthotic insoles help to correct any posture problems and help to realign the foot thereby reducing the pain and also the problem that may have led to the condition in the first instance.
Many sufferers have reported improvement in the condition almost immediately by utilising orthotic insoles and that their feet feel more free, supple, and walking and exercise is much easier and pain-free.
Early diagnosis and treatment is most important as the longer the condition remains without being treated then generally the longer the healing period may be and, in fact, it is quite normal for the condition to take months to repair itself. It is very rare for surgery to be required to cure this condition because, as a basic torn ligament or micro tears, it needs time and help to reverse the damage.